Desensitising toothpaste could help asthma sufferers.

Individuals who suffer from asthma have been advised that using toothpaste designed to tackle sensitive teeth problems could help with their condition.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the active ingredient in many of these toothpastes is potassium nitrate – also known as saltpetre – and this was used for many years in the treatment of arthritis and asthma, hence its ability to help sufferers.

Meanwhile, Ridzwan Rahim recently wrote in a post for New Straits Times that the introduction of fluoride into the drinking water of western countries in the last century was one of the greatest man-made medical advances of all time.

He argued that the introduction of fluoride into the water of countries across the globe has had the single greatest impact on oral health.

Mr Rahim stated: “Ever since the introduction of fluoride into tap water in 1945, cases of tooth decay around the world has decreased so dramatically that, frankly, we have now few reasons to visit the dentist.”

Those with disabilities should be given more dentistry guidance.

The visually impaired in the UK should be provided with better information regarding dentistry, it has been claimed.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said more needs to be done to ensure all areas of society are aware of the oral health services that are available to them.

Indeed, he noted there is a level of inequality in the present system, as it does not cater for those with disabilities fairly.

He made his comments following the publication of a study carried out by Moorfields Hospital in London, which showed that visually impaired people were less likely to visit their dentist on a regular basis.

Elsewhere, Conservative shadow health minister Mike Penning recently claimed that should his party win at today’s (May 6th) polls, then he will introduce a new dentistry contract that will focus on improving levels of access for all sections of society.

The upcoming election has allowed politicians to show their will to improve dentistry in the UK.

The upcoming election has provided an opportunity for the leading parties to showcase their commitment to improving dentistry provisions in the UK, it has been claimed.

According to Tory shadow health minister Mike Penning, should the Conservatives win at next week’s polls, then he will introduce a new dentistry contract that will focus on improving levels of access for all sections of society.

He commented: “These changes will allow us to give one million more people access to an NHS dentist and give every five-year-old a dental check-up.”

Elsewhere, Lakeside Dental recently claimed that an increase in drug treatments under the last government has led to more people requiring emergency dentistry treatments.

Known as xerostomia, this is brought about through these drugs killing protective bacteria in the mouth, thereby leading to an increased risk of cavities forming in previously healthy teeth.

Two dentist ran the Flora London Maratahon to raise money for treatments.

Two dentists recently ran the Flora London Marathon in a bid to raise money for emergency dentistry procedures for people in Tanzania.

Dr Katherine Opie-Smith and Dr Chris Waith ran in the 30th annual marathon on April 25th in order to raise money to help people who would otherwise be unable to receive treatments like bridges, dental implants and dentures.

Both have previously worked in Tanzania as part of Bridge2Aid’s Dental Volunteer Programme.

Dr Waith said: “All in all, it left me extremely tired and emotional but the thought of my gorgeous family Michelle and baby Dylan, who have supported me throughout, as well as those amazing people I met in Tanzania last year kept me going until the end.’

Elsewhere, Brits taking part in sports were recently advised they should invest in a mouth guard to help protect their teeth.

Dr John Roberson, a board-certified oral surgeon who practices oral and maxillofacial surgery in Hattiesburg, said that fractured teeth and other oral health problems can be avoided in this way.

Fluoride in drinking water supplies has been hailed as one of the biggest public health benefits of the last century.

The introduction of fluoride into the water of countries across the globe has had the single greatest impact on oral health

Ridzwan Rahim wrote in a post for New Straits Times that the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention named the fluoridation of tap water among the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century.

“Ever since the introduction of fluoride into tap water in 1945, cases of tooth decay around the world has decreased so dramatically that, frankly, we have now few reasons to visit the dentist,” he commented.

Meanwhile, it has recently been reported that while tooth enamel is very strong, a lack of nutrients in the diet and the consumption of highly acidic or sugary foods can erode this protective layer over time.

Indeed, as households across the UK have access to fluoridated tap water, people have been advised to switch to this beverage, rather than drinking sugary soft drinks.

Individuals have been advised on how to achieve a healthier smile.

People planning to have a healthier smile should stop smoking and ensure they brush their teeth properly, it has been advised.

MSN Health has reported that smoking can be particularly harmful to the teeth and gums, while flossing daily and not brushing too vigorously can help people to keep a perfect smile for longer.

Indeed, people should “perfect their stroke” by ensuring they brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and use gentle, circular motions.

“Smokers get periodontal disease at two to three times the rate of non-smokers,” Sally Cram, a periodontist in Washington, told the website.

Elsewhere, individuals who suffer from diabetes have been warned that their condition puts them at a higher risk of dental health problems, but there are a number of ways they can minimise this danger.

People should ensure they keep themselves well hydrated, as this will ensure they suffer less from dry mouth, a condition that can lead to increased risk of gum disease, according to Perth EMC.

People advised on the golden rules for oral health.

Brits have been advised of a number of golden rules they should follow if they wish to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

According to a blog post on Silicon India, dental problems can be avoided if a person maintains varied diet high in vitamins and minerals.

They should also take care to clean all areas of their teeth and gums in order to avoid the build-up of harmful bacteria and plaque.

Furthermore, people should visit their dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and use a good quality toothpaste and toothbrush when brushing daily.

Elsewhere, Canadian dentist Dr Ron Smith recently told the Vancouver Sun that keeping on top of oral health is important, as even a small amount of plaque can be harmful to the teeth and gums.

He argued that gingivitis is a particular risk for people who do not maintain a good oral health routine and this can be painful and lead to the loss of teeth if left untreated.

Children should receive help from their parents when learning to brush their teeth.

Children should receive a helping hand when they are learning to brush their teeth, it has been claimed.

American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry president Dr William Berlocher said that many children find brushing their teeth extremely tiresome and can refuse to accept any help or simply do not want to brush their teeth altogether.

It is at this time that parents should remain strong, however, as putting in place a regular oral health routine for children is important for having healthy teeth throughout their adult life.

He commented: “Children who have discovered they have some control in their lives and are resistive to their parent’s direction and instruction can be a more challenging issue.”

Elsewhere, the Vancouver Sun recently reported that more children are developing tooth cavities as a result of the higher levels of sugar and acidic foods that they have in their diets.

The publication noted that cavity levels have increased significantly over the last decade for children starting school.

Dentists in Germany are using laser drills.

Dentists in Germany have been given access to the next generation of drill technology – lasers.

Shane McGlaun wrote in a blog for Slash Gear that he hates going to the dentist, but the development of new laser drills could help him get over his dental fears.

He commented: “Over in Germany, they are working with a sweet laser drill that is designed to cover treatment of soft tissue.”

Mr McGlaun said that in general, it is the pain and “horrible noise” that traditional drills cause which make him less inclined to visit his dentist for regular check-ups.

Elsewhere, individuals who have missing teeth have been advised that dental implants could be the perfect solution to their problem.

New York periodontist Dr Hiroshi Kimura recently claimed that the devices can offer a permanent solution to tooth loss and the prosthetic that is attached can be treated and maintained just as a person would one of their own teeth.

many students say they cannot afford regular trips to the dentist.

Many students are putting off trips to the dentist due to monetary fears, it has been claimed.

Dental Plans reported that poor dental health is becoming more commonplace within the student population, as the impact of the economic downturn has meant that many now feel the cost of regular check-ups is one area where they can make savings.

“I realize that college students are tight on funds,” said Marie Yax, a registered dental hygienist at All Smiles Dental in Saginaw.

“But often, if they would have come in earlier to prevent problems, they will save lots of money in the long run.”

Elsewhere, the Hartlepool Mail recently reported that people across the UK should look to book a visit to their dentist in order to screen against mouth cancer – a disease that has grown in prevalence in recent years, especially in men over the age of 50.